Author's Note- A bit more intrigue coming your way starting in this chapter. I am using some creative license with a storyline I am working on. I thought it would be fun. I hope you enjoy.

Chapter 12— Friends and Strangers

Mr. Smith and Mike had both left for lunch and Lucas sat at his desk going through some paperwork. He looked up as he heard the tap on the door, surprised to see it was Nathan.

"Come in, Constable. What can I do for you?" Lucas asked warily.

"I was hoping you had a few minutes. I…need to talk to you," Nathan said. Lucas could hear the uncertainty in his voice and wanted to put him at ease.

"Please, have a seat." Lucas motioned towards the chair across the desk.

Nathan came in and sat down, not speaking for a moment. Lucas could tell he wasn't comfortable with whatever it was he had to say. "This isn't easy for me," Nathan began. "I know that you are aware of my relationship with my father. It was…difficult…being raised by a man that cared more about cards and gambling than he did about his own family. It made me a better Mountie, but unfortunately it also made me more suspicious of anyone that may remind me of him."

"I guess you are referring to me," Lucas responded when Nathan paused.

Nathan looked down regretfully. "I led myself to believe what I was feeling was love for Elizabeth. But all I really felt was a need to protect her from the kind of life my mother had. The kind of life I thought she would have if she were with you. I care about her, but I'm not in love with her. It took me awhile to figure that out."

Lucas nodded, trying to understand what Nathan must have dealt with growing up.

"What I'm trying to say is, I was wrong about you…Lucas. I can't thank you enough for helping Allie the other day. She just about has you walking on water." They both shared a laugh at Nathan's statement. "You have proven to me that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, or a man by his clothes. I owe you an apology and I ask for forgiveness for misjudging you."

"If I were a man of the law, I probably wouldn't have trusted me either at first- the way I came to town keeping needed secrets. And I can't fault you for the way you were raised. I love Elizabeth. I plan to ask her to marry me. And even though I can't actually walk on water, I hope she says yes. And— I forgive you."

Nathan smiled, "I'm glad for you two. I hope we can both put this behind us. And I would like to replace the shirt that was ruined when you rescued Allie."

"No need for that. It was just a shirt."

Nathan stood and Lucas followed suit. "I will let you get back to work. You're a good man, Lucas." Nathan said as he put his hand out.

Lucas shook his hand and smiled. "That means a lot coming from you, Constable."

"Please, call me Nathan."

###

Henry exited the stagecoach and put out his hand to help a young lady step down. He had left town a few days prior to clear his head and decided it was time to come home.

"Thank you, sir," she said with a slight smile.

"Do you need any help with your luggage?" Henry asked.

"That's nice of you to offer. I can carry my valise and get someone from the hotel to come get my trunk. But thank you."

Henry tipped his hat, "Have a nice day," he said as she turned towards the Queen of Hearts.

"Henry, hello. I didn't know you left town. I was wondering why I hadn't seen you for a while," Elizabeth said as she and Jack walked up.

"I just needed some time to think and decided I should be away from Hope Valley to do that. You are sure looking happy today, Elizabeth. Anything you want to tell me?"

Elizabeth grinned, "Well, it isn't common knowledge yet, but Lucas and I are…a couple. It seems you were correct about the way we feel about each other."

Henry smiled back, "I have to say it's about time. Can I buy you a cup of coffee? I would love to hear all about it."

"Oh, you haven't heard about Fiona," Elizabeth said turning serious. "She was kidnapped a couple of days ago. She's okay, Nathan, John, and Bill rescued her yesterday, but she was hurt. She is staying at the Coulters house and I'm on my way from the library to check on her."

Henry shook his head. "I leave for a few days and everything has changed when I come back. I hope she will be alright. I'll hold you to that cup of coffee. And I am truly happy for you, Elizabeth. And for Lucas."

"Thanks Henry. I'll see you soon," Elizabeth said as she and Jack turned to walk away.

Henry watched them for a moment then began walking towards home.

###

John looked up when he saw a customer enter. It was a young woman with long blond hair and deep green eyes. She was still brushing the dust off her skirt as she walked up to the bar.

"Something I can help you with, Miss, Mrs…?"

"Uh…Jones. Miss Lucille Jones. I need your best room at the hotel, please. And my trunk is out on the walkway."

"I can help you with that. Will you be with us long?" John asked as he wrote her name in the guest book.

"That's none of your affair," she snapped, a little too harshly for the question asked. "Just leave it open ended. I will leave when my business here is finished."

"Well, pardon me, Princess. Let me show you to your room." John grabbed a key, wanting nothing more than to get her settled and get back to work.

Lucille held out her valise and John smiled. "Nice bag. Follow me," he said as he preceded her up the stairs, letting her carry her own bag. Two can play at this game, he thought.

"How rude!" she responded as she followed him. "What? No elevator? Such an antiquated little town…"

John opened the door to her room. "Here is your quaint little room. I hope it will suffice," he said sarcastically.

Lucille stepped in and surveyed the room with a loud exhale. "I guess it will have to do." John stood in the doorway with his hand out. Lucille rolled her eyes as she grabbed her handbag and retrieved a coin. He looked at it when she placed it in his hand.

"So that's how the other half lives," he said, the sarcasm dripping from his tone as he looked at the dime that she gave him.

"Well, you did make me carry my own bag. I should report you to your boss."

"Maybe you should do that, Princess."

She walked over and pushed him out the door and shut it in his face.

John stood there stunned for a moment then broke into a grin. "I'll get right on that trunk!" he hollered through the door. Then he flipped the coin, caught it, and whistled as he went back downstairs to the bar.

###

Bill and Nathan saw the transfer of Homer Sneed and both went back into the office. "I'm glad that's over with," Bill said. "I hope we don't have any more surprises anytime soon."

"I'm with you on that. Christmas is coming up. I'm hoping things are quiet around here for the holidays this year. I haven't heard of any plans for the town," Nathan responded.

"Bouchard is the one in charge of excitement around here," Bill said. "You'd have to talk to him."

"I…uh…actually just had a conversation with him. Not about the holidays. I apologized and we made our peace."

Bill raised his eyebrow. "So, you actually did it."

"It was time. Speaking of time, I'm going to go check on Fiona. She was still sleeping when I went by this morning."

Bill smiled. "You go ahead. I'm going to head over to the café for a while."

Nathan smiled and walked out the door.

###

Elizabeth sat visiting with Fiona while Rosemary played with Jack.

"So, tell me how you are really feeling."

"Surprisingly well. I probably could have gone to work today, but I don't want to push it. I think by Monday I can pull my shift. John will be gone for a day or two and I know Lucas will be short-handed," Fiona replied.

"Don't push yourself. If I know Lucas, he would rather close for the day than you come back too soon. You should probably talk to Carson to make sure he thinks you are well enough," Elizabeth said.

"I plan to talk to him tomorrow. Thank you for being so concerned about me."

"That's what friends are for. Ok, Jack, let's get home. Mama has some chores to take care of before she goes back to work on Monday."

Elizabeth hugged Fiona and then Rosemary. "I'll see you two later. I'm baking cookies and I will bring you a batch over."

"Cookies will definitely make me feel better," Fiona said with a smile as Elizabeth and Jack left.

She had just closed the door, when Nathan came walking up. "Hi, Elizabeth."

"Oh, hello Nathan. Are you coming to see Fiona?"

"Yeah, I just wanted to check and see how she is doing today. I'm glad I ran into you. I spoke to Lucas earlier. He told me you two are seeing each other now. I apologized to him and I wanted to also tell you how sorry I am…for everything."

"Oh!" Elizabeth responded, surprised.

"I am happy for you guys. I hope you can forgive me for how I acted the last time we spoke."

"Of course, Nathan. I appreciate you saying that. I need to get home. Enjoy your visit."

"Thank you," Nathan said as he stepped up to the porch and knocked on the door.

###

Later in the day, Bill walked out of the café just as Nathan was walking up. "How did the visit with Fiona go? She feeling better?" Bill asked as they stood in front of the building.

"She is doing well. She seems to think she is ready to go back to work," Nathan replied. Lucas walked up about that time and the three chatted for a few moments.

John walked toward the building and noticed Miss Jones peeking around the corner, watching the three men as they spoke. He furrowed his brow as he stopped and observed the situation. Then he decided to have a little fun. He walked up quietly.

"Well, hello, Miss Jones," John said rather loudly, making her jump. She pushed him back against the side wall before the other men noticed her.

"What are you doing? Spying on me?" she hissed quietly.

John laughed at the irony. "Seriously? I catch you eavesdropping on the judge, the constable, and the owner of the hotel, and I'm the one spying? Just exactly what are you doing here in town, Miss Jones? Are you a fugitive from the law?" he whispered, amused.

"Look at me. Do I look like a fugitive to you?" she asked as she stood to her full height of maybe 5 foot 2 and smoothed her jacket.

"I think criminals come in all shapes and sizes. Even pint-sized," John said as he crossed his arms, enjoying watching her get riled up.

"How dare you!" she whispered furiously with a grumble as she straightened her shoulders, stuck her nose in the air and stormed away.

John watched her go, then laughed as he went on his way, wondering just what the fetching Miss Jones was doing in small town Hope Valley. He was fairly certain she wasn't an outlaw so that just left one option- she was there because of one of the three men she was watching.

The question was, which one? And more importantly, why the secrecy?

###

Monday morning came bright and early for Elizabeth. She pulled her coat around her as she walked towards the school, thinking of the last few days and how much her life had changed. Lucas was finishing up with Mr. Smith today and things seemed to be falling into place. The plans he had discussed with her meant they would be able to spend more time together very soon. She just had to be a little more patient.

Allie had a couple more days before she was able to come back to school, so Opal would be taking her work to her. Elizabeth didn't worry too much about it because Allie was one of her best students.

She got to the school early, excited to see all the children and learn what they had been up to last week. She opened the door and walked in, surprised to see Lucas sitting on the front edge of her desk holding a pink rose.

"Well, good morning. I didn't hear anything about a new student coming to school today," she teased as she walked in his direction.

Lucas sat there with a dazzling smile, just waiting for her to approach.

"Now, you should know, I never allow students to sit on my desk. That brings a sharp discipline from the teacher."

Lucas finally stood as she neared. He held out the rose, "Perhaps I could buy my way out of your punishment with a gift."

Elizabeth pursed her lips as she considered. "It's lovely, but I think it's going to take more than a flower to get you out of trouble," she said playfully.

Lucas stepped closer, "Then maybe this will do," he said as he leaned down and kissed her gently.

"So, you think a bribe will soften your penance?" Elizabeth said as they barely pulled back.

"I was certainly hoping so," Lucas said, his face turning serious as they locked eyes.

Elizabeth felt the energy between them and knew she must step back. She put her hand on his chest and smiled as she gently pushed herself away.

"You surely know how to start my Monday off right," she said as she took a deep breath.

"We both have a busy day today, and I knew I had to get here early if I wanted to see you before the students arrived," Lucas said as he handed her the rose.

"Thank you, Lucas."

"Perhaps I can come and walk you home after school? Carry your books?" he asked with a smile.

"I would like that."

Lucas leaned in and kissed her forehead. "See you later, my love."

He turned to leave just as some of the students began milling around outside of the door. Lucas turned back and winked at Elizabeth, then left.

Elizabeth fanned herself with her hand as she thought about Lucas. Then she grabbed the bell with a smile and walked out the door to get the day started.

###

Molly sat at the switchboard, daydreaming.

She and Albert had had a wonderful time on Saturday night. She found out he was a widower that had fallen on hard times until landing a job with the petroleum company. They were very relaxed at dinner and he walked her home afterwards. Yesterday at church, he sat next to her on the bench. They had spoken for a little while after the service and Molly felt herself very drawn to him.

They had made plans for another dinner later this week and Molly was looking forward to it.

She just had to keep her emotions in check until she knew more about him.

###

Fiona was at the saloon and glad to be there. She was getting things ready for the day. Fiona had found that her mind kept wandering to what had happened and she knew staying busy was the best thing for her. Sleep wasn't coming easily either. After she had slept so long that first night, her slumber was now sporadic. And her dreams were unsettling.

She hadn't spoken to Carson like she had said she would. She was afraid he would tell her it was too soon to be working and to get more rest. But he couldn't know what she was dealing with emotionally and mentally.

Working was the best thing for her right now.

###

Rosemary entered the infirmary and Carson looked up and smiled. "Could I talk to you for a moment?" she asked, concern written on her face.

"Of course. Come right in."

"It's kind of important…"

###

Fiona watched as a young woman she didn't know walked slowly down the stairs, looking around apprehensively. She let out a contented sigh when she saw Fiona behind the bar.

Fiona smiled, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Oh, bless you! That bruise on your cheek looks painful," Lucille said.

"It's healing up. I…fell. My name is Fiona."

"I'm Lucille…Jones. But you can call me Lucy. I was just so glad to see that it wasn't that rude lout behind the bar this morning."

Fiona looked a little confused. "You can't mean Lucas Bouchard, the owner. Perhaps Johnny Davis? He's been working days over the weekend. Tall and handsome with a devilish smile?"

"That's him. I can't believe this Mr. Bouchard would hire such a hooligan as him."

Fiona laughed. "Johnny can be a bit brash at times. I'm sorry if he was rude to you. He was actually filling in for me while I recovered."

Lucy looked around cautiously. "He isn't here, is he?"

"Well, he actually lives here. But he left town early this morning for a day or two," Fiona replied.

"Then at least I won't see him today," Lucy said, looking relieved. "I think I will wander around town a bit. Nice meeting you Fiona."

"Nice meeting you too, Lucy." Fiona said as she watched her leave. Then Carson walked in looking concerned.

Fiona put her hand up. "I know what you are going to say Carson. But really, I am fine. Rosemary told on me, didn't she?"

Carson walked up to the bar. "She might have mentioned something about you coming to work today. She is just concerned about you. So am I. I think you should rest a few more days, Fiona."

Fiona lowered her voice. "Carson, I need to stay busy right now. It keeps my mind occupied. Just let me try and see if I am up to it. If I feel overly tired, I will stop and rest. Okay?"

"How are you sleeping?" Carson asked.

"Off and on. Bad dreams," Fiona admitted.

Carson nodded. "I wondered about that. Please come and see me when you get off of work today. Perhaps talking about everything will help. And don't overdo."

"Thanks Carson. I'll be cautious, I promise."

Carson turned and left, and Fiona went back to work.

It was a slow day and she had time to daydream while she did her work. She thought about Nathan's visit a couple of days ago.

Rosemary opened the door and invited Nathan in with a smile. "Fiona, you have company."

Fiona came into the room and smiled when she saw Nathan. "Hi. Would you like to have a seat?" she asked as she walked towards the sofa.

"Thanks," Nathan said as he took a seat facing her. "I wanted to see how you were doing. Are you feeling better?"

"Actually, I am feeling pretty well. I'm hoping to go back to work on Monday."

Nathan looked concerned. "I'm glad you are on the mend. I'll try to stop in at the saloon and say hello next week."

Fiona smiled, "That would be nice. I'll look forward to seeing you."

"Is there anything you need? Anything I can get you?" Nathan asked.

"Rosemary is spoiling me. I can't think of a thing I need. But thank you."

"I guess I better be going," Nathan said as he stood, looking a little nervous. "I will see you next week. Good-bye Rosemary."

Rosemary opened the door and Nathan left. When she shut the door, she looked at Fiona with a slight frown. "Well, that won't do at all. I think he may just need a little push in the right direction."

"Now, Rosemary. Perhaps he isn't over Elizabeth. It was barely a week ago that she hugged him in the middle of the street. I'm not so sure he likes me that way, so don't get any thoughts in your head about matchmaking. He needs to make the first move if he's interested."

"Likes you? I think he more than likes you, Fiona. The man just needs a little help in the romance department."

The conversation was over at that point when Rosemary left the room.

Fiona stood at the bar wondering if she would get the desire of her heart one of these days. She would have to continue her daydreaming later as customers started coming in.

Busyness was exactly what she needed.